Yoga, an ancient practice incorporating breathing exercises and poses, is a valuable tool for people who live a stressful lifestyle. Many of the health benefits of yoga have been proven by rigorous scientific studies. Yoga can increase flexibility and strength, which has been well-known for a long time. Scientists have recently confirmed that yoga can improve your cardiovascular fitness, leading to better heart health and greater lung capacity. Yoga can reduce stress and inflammation and even cause cellular change. These benefits may all be combined to increase longevity and add healthy years to your life. Let’s look at seven scientifically supported benefits of yoga. What can yoga do for you?

Increase Flexibility

Yoga is often seen as a complex form of stretching. Although there is a lot more to yoga than this, it does include stretching and can help increase flexibility.

You will quickly notice an increase in flexibility. Yoga practice for 15 minutes per day will likely result in apparent flexibility increases that can be used to improve sports performance. It could also help reduce pain and discomfort for those with a limited range of motion.

Strengthen

Although yoga is often thought to be about stretching, some postures, especially those in more advanced positions, require strength. To be strong, you don’t have to lift weights. Competitive gymnasts rely heavily on bodyweight exercises to strengthen their muscles. They are among the most influential athletes in the world.

Plank yoga poses build core and arm strength, while chair yoga poses build leg strength. A plank is a push-up that’s stuck at the top and unmoving. The chair looks almost like an invisible chair. While these poses can be done in a matter of seconds, they are challenging to hold for long periods. Many studies show strength increases, and their benefits have been well documented.

Increase Vital Capacity — Take a Breath

Yoga is more than just contortionist poses. Yoga practices include breathing control. Pranayama, or yogic breathing, is slow and deep. However, it can also have short, sharp, rapid exhales and long, steady breath holds. This combination is excellent for your diaphragm and lungs.

Yoga increases your “vital capability,” which is the total functional volume of the lungs. It also improves elasticity, the force you use to inhale or exhale.

Improve Heart Health

Yoga poses and methods can help you relax and lower your heart rate. This is good for your health. Your most crucial muscle deserves a break! Some yoga poses require effort, which raises the heart rate and stimulates circulation. The typical effort level is below the anaerobic threshold, meaning the body needs to create energy without oxygen. Most effort levels can be maintained within the aerobic range of metabolism. While anaerobic exercise can bring you significant benefits quickly, it can also cause stress to your body. Aerobic exercise can be a gentler and more effective way to lose weight and improve your heart health.

Reduce Stress

Yoga can help you focus on your body, breathing, and body. Your body will respond by slowing down and relaxing your breathing. Numerous clinical studies have shown that yoga reduces cortisol levels, one of the most important stress hormones.

Reduce Inflammation

Although inflammation is part of the standard immune system, it can also be harmful. Chronic inflammation, becoming more common, can lead to diabetes and heart disease.

Numerous studies have shown that yoga can reduce inflammation. One study looked at a group of 200 people, some practicing yoga regularly and others not. The yoga group had lower levels of inflammation after a round of moderately strenuous exercise. Chemical markers were used to measure this.

Longevity

Your lifespan can be increased by yoga. Yoga can improve your heart, breathing, circulation, and overall health. It may also cause changes at the cellular level.